Qi Yuesen, a 20‑year‑old delivery rider in Beijing, spends up to 13 hours on the road and has had only one day off in the past two months. He races through traffic to meet tight delivery windows, often risking traffic rules to keep his rating high.

On a typical day, Qi Yuesen made 28 deliveries, rode 68 km and earned about $45.

The gig sector is swelling fast. Analysts expect the number of Chinese workers in “flexible employment” to reach 320 million by the end of the year – roughly 44 % of the country’s total workforce.

Youth unemployment is now close to 20 %, according to official data. Angelia Li, an assistant professor at the University of California, says many young people see gig jobs as a quick, low‑barrier way to earn money when traditional positions disappear.

Li also notes that piece‑rate pay has fallen in recent years. To earn the same income, riders must accept more orders, and a single mistake can trigger a fine of up to 500 yuan (about $100).

Because formal jobs are scarce and wages are under pressure, the gig economy has become a vital safety net for China’s young workers. While the work is demanding, it offers immediate cash flow that many cannot find elsewhere.